Pakistan-Rani Bagh, formerly known as Das Garden, is a historic park in Hyderabad, Sindh. Established in 1861 to honor Queen Victoria, the park spans 54 acres in the heart of the city. Over time, neglect and underuse have significantly diminished its appeal. However, the Rani Bagh Project, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, aims to transform this iconic space into a vibrant recreational hub. Notably, thousands of visitors already flock to the park during events like Eid and Independence Day, which strongly demonstrates its growing significance as a central destination for locals and visitors from neighboring districts.
The Rani Bagh Project offers a diverse range of modern features to cater to diverse audiences. The planned upgrades consist of a state-of-the-art zoo, an amusement park, a theme park, a boating lake, and food courts. Together, these additions will create a dynamic and family-friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, sustainable initiatives such as cycle tracks, a pocket forest, and tram services are also part of the plan. These thoughtful enhancements will not only promote eco-friendly urban development but also significantly improve the visitor experience. By skillfully merging heritage preservation with modern amenities, Rani Bagh will undoubtedly set a benchmark for urban regeneration through PPPs in Sindh.
The project operates a Design, Finance, Build, Operate, Maintain, and Transfer (DFBOT) model. It spans a 17-year concession period, with two years allocated for construction and 15 years for operations. Investors can adopt a flexible financial structure with a debt-to-equity ratio of up to 80%. To further boost confidence, the government provides a debt guarantee for up to 75% of the loan amount. Moreover, a user-pay model will generate revenue to cover operational costs, service debts, and provide consistent returns to equity investors.
Several milestones highlight the progress of the Rani Bagh Project. The PPP Policy Board approved the project’s structure in June 2023. In January 2024, the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation ratified the revised master plan, which was followed by provincial cabinet approval in July 2024. In January 2025, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued to solicit investor participation. Consequently, the bid submission deadline, set for March 24, 2025, marks a critical phase in the park’s much-anticipated transformation.
Globally, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have consistently proven effective in addressing urban infrastructure challenges, including recreational developments. Projects like the Millennium Park in Chicago, USA, and Parque das Nações, Portugal highlight the success of PPP models in creating world-class public spaces. Millennium Park, developed through a collaboration between public entities and private donors, transformed an underutilized area into a vibrant urban park with cultural and recreational facilities. Similarly, Parque das Nações financed and operated through a PPP framework, integrates innovative green technologies with visitor attractions, creating a globally recognized urban oasis. These partnerships harness private sector expertise to deliver high-quality, sustainable results. Likewise, the Rani Bagh Project aims to balance cultural preservation with economic and social growth. Its innovative approach ensures a blend of modern urban amenities and community-focused solutions.
The Rani Bagh Project represents a transformative development for Hyderabad. By strategically combining historical significance with modern recreational facilities, it promises to attract tourism and significantly stimulate local economic growth. Additionally, it aligns seamlessly with Sindh’s broader vision for sustainable urban expansion and innovative development strategies. The March 2025 bid submission deadline serves as a key milestone, bringing the project closer to completion. Ultimately, the project successfully showcases Hyderabad’s potential as a regional leader in sustainable and innovative urban development.
The bidding documents for the project may be accessed and downloaded through the Public-Private Partnership Unit, Finance Department, Government of Sindh. Follow the link: https://tiny.cc/LGD
